Functional Tactile Sensor Based on Arrayed Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Abstract

In the era of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), sensors have become an integral part of intelligent systems. Although the traditional sensing technology is very mature in long‐term development, there are remaining defects and limitations that make it difficult to meet the growing demands of current applications, such as high‐sensitivity detection and self‐supplied sensing. As a new type of sensor, array triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG)‐based tactile sensors can respond to wide dynamic range of mechanical stimuli in the surrounding environment and converting them into quantifiable electrical signals, thus realizing real‐time self‐supplied tactile sensing. The array structure allows for fine delineation of the sensing area and improved spatial resolution, resulting in accurate localization and quantification of the detected tactile signals, and have been widely used in wearable devices, smart interaction, medical and health detection, and other fields. In this paper, the latest research progress of functional tactile sensors based on arrayed triboelectric nanogenerators is systematically reviewed from the aspects of working mechanism, material selection, material processing, structural design, functional integration, and application. Finally, the challenges faced by arrayed triboelectric tactile sensors are summarized with a view to providing inspiration and guidance for the future development of tactile sensors.